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Surgical First Assist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Methodist Hospital

Surgical First Assist

Cibolo, TX · On-site

The Surgical First Assistant works as a member of the perioperative team under the direction of the surgeon. He/she performs responsibilities of both the Surgical Technologist and the Surgical First ...

Methodist Hospital

Surgical First Assist

Schertz, TX · On-site

The Surgical First Assistant works as a member of the perioperative team under the direction of the surgeon. He/she performs responsibilities of both the Surgical Technologist and the Surgical First ...

UVA Health

Surgical First Assistant

Culpeper, VA

$42.06/hr

Surgical First Assistant Job Code: SS1701 Work a minimum of 3 ten hour shifts 0700-1730 per 6 weeks and one call weekend call shift depending on departments needs per 6 weeks. ABOUT US We are ...

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How much do surgical first assist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assist in the United States is $37.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.05 and $41.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a surgical first assist?

Surgical First Assists, also known as surgical first assistants or first surgical assistants, are healthcare professionals who provide direct support to surgeons during surgical procedures. Their responsibilities include helping with patient positioning, maintaining a sterile field, controlling bleeding, suturing incisions, and ensuring the surgical team's efficiency and safety. They work closely with surgeons and other operating room staff to optimize patient outcomes and may be registered nurses, physician assistants, or other trained professionals with specialized surgical training.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a surgical first assist?

To thrive as a Surgical First Assist, you need extensive knowledge of surgical procedures, anatomy, and sterile techniques, usually backed by a clinical degree and certification such as the CSA or CSFA. Familiarity with surgical instruments, operating room technology, and electronic medical records is essential. Strong attention to detail, excellent communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills. These competencies ensure patient safety, effective teamwork, and optimal surgical outcomes.

What are some typical challenges a surgical first assist might face during procedures, and how can they be addressed?

Surgical First Assists often encounter fast-paced, high-pressure environments where quick decision-making and adaptability are crucial. Challenges may include anticipating the surgeon's needs, maintaining sterility in unpredictable situations, and effectively communicating with the surgical team. To address these, developing strong situational awareness, enhancing technical skills through ongoing training, and fostering open communication with colleagues are essential. Proactively preparing for each case and participating in pre-operative briefings can also help mitigate common challenges.

What is the difference between Surgical First Assist vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectSurgical First AssistSurgical Technologist
CredentialsCertified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA), RN with additional trainingCertified Surgical Technologist (CST)
Work EnvironmentAssist during surgeries, work closely with surgeons in operating roomsPrepare operating rooms, sterilize equipment, assist during surgeries
Employer & IndustryHospitals, surgical centers, clinicsHospitals, outpatient surgical centers, clinics

While both roles support surgical teams, Surgical First Assistants actively assist during procedures and have advanced certifications, whereas Surgical Technologists primarily prepare the operating room and assist in non-sterile tasks. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job fit within surgical settings.

How long does it take to become a surgical first assist?

Becoming a surgical first assist typically requires completing a relevant healthcare degree, such as a physician assistant or nurse practitioner program, which takes about 2-4 years. Additionally, gaining specialized surgical assisting training and certification, such as the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) credential, can take several months to a year after completing the educational requirements.

What can a surgical first assistant do?

A surgical first assistant supports surgeons during procedures by providing exposure, hemostasis, tissue handling, and suturing. They work under the surgeon's supervision, often requiring certification and knowledge of surgical instruments and sterile techniques to ensure patient safety and efficient operation flow.

What degree do you need to be a surgical first assist?

To become a surgical first assist, individuals typically need to have a healthcare-related degree such as a registered nurse (RN), physician assistant (PA), or surgical technologist certification, along with specialized training and experience in surgical procedures. Many states also require certification from organizations like the National Surgical Assistant Association (NSAA) or the American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA).

Where do surgical first assistants make the most money?

Surgical first assistants tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a high cost of living and greater demand for specialized healthcare services, such as metropolitan areas with large hospitals and medical centers. States or cities with a higher volume of complex surgeries and advanced medical facilities often offer increased compensation for experienced surgical first assistants. Factors like certifications, experience, and working in specialized surgical environments also influence earning potential.

What cities are hiring for Surgical First Assist jobs?

Cities with the most Surgical First Assist job openings:

What states have the most Surgical First Assist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Surgical First Assist jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Surgical First Assist jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Surgical First Assist jobs are:

What are popular job titles related to Surgical First Assist jobs?

For Surgical First Assist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Surgical First Assist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surgical First Assist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,315 per year, or $37.7 per hour.

Surgical First Assistant

United Surgical Partners International Inc (USPI)

Gallatin, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

United Surgical Partners International rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Patient Partners Surgery Center is Hiring a Certified First Assistant

$20k Sign on bonus available. 

No weekends, No Holidays, No Call!

Welcome to Patient Partners Surgery Center! Patient Partners Surgery Center is a dynamic, fast-paced facility dedicated to delivering exceptional care and providing the highest quality experience for both patients and their families.

Certified First Assistant Registered at Patient Partners Surgery Center

A surgical first assistant plays a vital role in a successful surgical procedure. They are primarily in charge of assisting surgeons, such as by arranging and handing over tools, holding open incisions, and dressing surgical wounds.

Qualifications

  • High School Diploma/GED
  • Completion of a Surgical Technician Program.
  • NBSTSA Surgical First Assistant Certification required.
  • Two years of Certified Surgical First Assistant experience in multiple specialties or an equivalent combination of education and experience is preferred.
  • Able to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations. Other skills and abilities: General familiarity with medical terminology as it pertains to anatomy and surgical procedures in an operating room.

What We Offer

As an organization, one way we care for our communities and each other is by providing a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

  • Medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage
  • Life and AD&D coverage
  • Availability of short- and long-term disability
  • Flexible financial benefits including FSAs and HSAs
  • 401(k) and access to retirement planning
  • Paid holidays and vacation

Who We Are

At USPI, we create relationships that create better care. We partner with physicians and healthcare systems to provide first-class ambulatory solutions throughout the United States. We are committed to providing surgical services in the most efficient and clinically excellent manner.

USPI is committed to, and proud of, our inclusive culture. An inclusive culture, in our view, is respectful of differences and nurtures and supports the contributions of each individual, while also embracing and leveraging diversity. A diverse workforce, combined with an inclusive culture, makes USPI stronger and better able to meet the needs of our diverse patient and physician population.

 #LI-SB1

#USP-123


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